Becoming your brother's keeper

Recently while visiting a supermarket in my area, I saw a sight that recalled the need for us to be our brother's keeper. Here it was: a mother standing outside the supermarket, listening to her four children; they were dressed a bit untidy. With a baby in hand and the other three children standing around her, she listened atten­tively about what they would like to have. What caught my attention was the reply of the mother: 'I do not have the money.' I saw the sad look on these children's faces. Right then and there in my spirit, I felt the urge to do something. I volunteered to purchase the few items these children wanted. I looked at the appreciation on all their faces—this simple act made my day to see these children smiling, with tears filling my eyes. How many people living right here in sweet Trinidad and Tobago, a land that once flowed with money, are going hungry every single day? Some of our children cannot even go to school because their parents do not have the money to purchase uniforms or pay for transport. Let us face it: when you look at the number of people who became unemployed within a year or more—thousands sent home without notice—versus the jobs created, there is a humongous difference. Unions continue to fight for workers concerning increases that are long overdue. The cost of living continues to go up. Visiting groceries and supermarkets, the price increase is quite noticeable. We are not just confronted with a serious crime problem but also an unemployment issue that needs real attention. While in no way do I condone criminal activities to make a living, let's face it: this can happen. Poverty and lack can drive some down the wrong path in life. If ever there were a time we need to look out for each other, it is now, becoming our brothers' and sisters' keeper. Whatever you can do to lighten the burden of another is a good idea. People need to see genuine love, compassion and empathy in action. Many are going through tough times. I conclude with three quotes for us all to ponder on: 'The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.' —Hubert Humphrey 'Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.' —Marc Brown 'The oppressed must never allow the conscience of the oppressor to slumber. Religion reminds every man that he is his brother's keeper. —Martin Luther King Jr. Arnold Gopeesingh